Portland Ballet is returning to the Performing Arts Center in Westbrook with the debut of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

With shows on Friday and Saturday, April 10-11, the organization will showcase its adaptation of a Shakespeare classic with dance rather than words. The Friday show is at 8 p.m., and the Saturday show is at 2 p.m.

According to a recent press release, the ballet hopes to convey the “good intentions with comedic outcomes” of the Shakespeare work. The show also has all new choreography and sets.

Portland Ballet choreographer Nell Shipman said in the release that “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is “lovely and silly and there is a true sense of fun when one gets lost in the details of its love triangle,” adding that the task of telling the story without words is daunting.

“The fun for the listener, or viewer in this case, of being lost in the confused wake of Oberon and playful Puck can get downright difficult to convey in a clear voice, when that voice is solely movement,” she said. “I have taken this beloved tale and created a ballet that has a slightly different spin on how the magic is played out and how the wrongs are righted.”

In June, Shipman will take over as artistic director for Portland Ballet, replacing Genie O’Brien, who has held the post for 35 years.

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” will also feature some pre- and-post-show activities, including a one-hour Fairy House construction activity prior to the show on April 11 for $20. Registration for the Fairy House construction is limited, and must be pre-paid. After the performances, children and members of the audience are invited to come on stage to meet the dancers.

Tickets are $10 for children and students, $25 and $30 for adults. Go to www.portlandballet.org for tickets.

– Andrew Rice